After the last election, the number of women in Congress dropped to 16.8 percent, and the number of women in state legislatures declined by nearly 80 seats, the sharpest drop since researchers began tracking these numbers nearly four decades ago. Internationally, the U.S. Congress ranks below 95 other countries in gender parity, according to the Inter-Parliamentary Union. The election of 2012 presents a rare opportunity for women to increase their numbers in office, due to redistricting, reapportionment and term limits. Also, redistricting overlaps with a presidential election for the first time in 20 years, and increased voter turnout during presidential years creates further opportunities for women candidates. Will 2012 be the next Year of the Woman? Why is the U.S. continuing to lag so far in gender parity in state legislatures and Congress? Why does it matter and what difference do women elected officials make?